Chapter 58, Hey, Flower
Recently, Li Minghua has channeled her "research" passion into more practical areas: such as how to plan a perfect "date" route.
On this day, she finally unfolded the map that she had studied repeatedly, its edges even a little frayed, with a hint of anticipation in her fingertips.
She tapped on the few striking marks newly drawn with charcoal pencil and cleared her throat.
She tried to maintain her usual composure and said to Tang Xiaoning, who was fiddling with a sachet, "Ahem, Xiaoning, come look here."
Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaoning put down the sachet in her hand and curiously approached, bringing with her a faint, sweet fragrance.
She looked in the direction Li Minghua pointed, her shoulder almost touching Li Minghua's arm.
Li Minghua's body tensed almost imperceptibly for a moment, then he pointed at the map, his voice deliberately clear and steady:
"I have surveyed the area repeatedly. There is indeed a small path on the eastern foot of Qixia Ridge in the west of the city. It is rarely visited, but the scenery is excellent."
There are clear streams along the way, and you can hear the babbling water.
Halfway up the mountain, there is a natural platform with a wide view, where you can watch the magnificent sunset.
The path is winding, but the slope is gentle; it should be manageable for your physical condition.
She paused, traced the mark with her fingertip, and added:
"Furthermore, the area offers a wide field of vision, making it easy to be on guard and difficult to set up ambushes. The safety factor is... very high."
After speaking, she subconsciously looked up at Tang Xiaoning, awaiting her judgment.
Tang Xiaoning looked at her meticulous and serious demeanor, as if she were deploying a supply line for an army, and felt a mixture of amusement and attraction.
She deliberately moved closer, almost able to feel the cool scent emanating from Li Minghua. Her fair fingers, with a hint of mischief, pointed to the marker on the map that represented the platform.
She tilted her head back, her almond-shaped eyes curving into crescents, and asked with a smile:
"Oh my, General Li, you've done your homework so thoroughly! When shall we set off to 'survey the terrain'? This humble general awaits your orders!"
Her voice rose at the end, carrying a clear hint of intimacy.
When Li Minghua met her smiling eyes so close to his, a blush crept up his ears, and his neck felt warm.
She forced herself to remain calm, slightly averted her gaze, cleared her throat, and her voice softened involuntarily: "If...if you have no objections, we can set off tomorrow afternoon. I have prepared water and dry rations."
"Yes, General!" Tang Xiaoning immediately straightened her back and, imitating the mannerisms in operas, gave a clumsy and awkward military salute.
Her finger twitched slightly on her forehead, causing Li Minghua's lips to curve into a slight smile, his eyes filled with a mixture of helplessness and doting affection.
The next afternoon, the sky was clear and the air was crisp.
The two traveled light and set off along the route that Li Minghua had "surveyed out".
As she had said, the path was indeed secluded, the stream babbled, the vegetation was lush, and birds sang.
Li Minghua remained highly vigilant throughout, his sharp eyes scanning the surrounding bushes and rocks, his ears catching any subtle sounds, poised to draw his sword at any moment.
"Safety first," she whispered to Tang Xiaoning.
Her other hand held Tang Xiaoning's hand steadily, her dry, warm palm enveloping his slightly cool fingertips.
Upon reaching the platform halfway up the mountain, a breathtaking view suddenly opened up before us.
The continuous landscape of the county town unfolds like a scroll painting under your feet.
On the horizon, a golden sunset slowly sank into the embrace of the dark mountains, its golden rays spilling down, dyeing the clouds with magnificent splendor, and gently enveloping the two people standing side by side.
"Wow—!" Tang Xiaoning couldn't help but exclaim in genuine amazement.
Like a joyful bird, she stretched out her slender arms and took two quick steps forward, as if wanting to embrace the magnificent scenery.
The mountain breeze immediately and playfully lifted her loose hair and soft dress, outlining her slender and beautiful figure.
"Minghua, look! It's so beautiful!" she called out, her cheeks flushed with excitement and the glow of the setting sun.
Li Minghua stood just a step behind her, his gaze not lingering entirely on the magnificent scenery, but rather focused intently on Tang Xiaoning.
Li Minghua's gaze involuntarily softened, almost freezing.
It wasn't until Tang Xiaoning turned around again that she seemed to wake up and lowered her head to cover up her embarrassment.
He then silently took out a water pouch and several delicate pastries carefully wrapped in oil paper from his coarse cloth bag and handed them over.
Her voice was low: "Yes, it's beautiful. Let's rest for a while and replenish our energy."
She deliberately avoided the spot where her gaze had landed.
Tang Xiaoning took the water pouch and snacks, took a bite of the snack, and felt the sweet taste spread on her tongue, mixed with the fresh air of the mountains.
She naturally moved back to Li Minghua's side, gently resting half of her body on Li Minghua's shoulder, her head slightly leaning against her.
"So sweet," she muttered softly, whether referring to the dessert or the taste of the moment.
Li Minghua's body stiffened slightly, then slowly relaxed, straightening her shoulders and back. The two of them quietly nestled together, watching the sunset glow like gold and the clouds drift by.
“Minghua,” Tang Xiaoning gazed at the setting sun, then suddenly remembered something, “did you used to watch the sunset so quietly when you were at Qingfeng Sect?”
Li Minghua was silent for a moment, then looked at the end of the burning clouds and shook his head: "We live a quiet life on the mountain, following the rules and regulations. Resting at sunset is the norm. We have no time or inclination to stop and admire the scenery."
Her voice carried a hint of its former coolness.
After a moment, she withdrew her gaze and instead focused on Tang Xiaoning's hair, which was bathed in the glow of the sunset. Her deep voice softened with warmth:
"Now that I see this with you, I realize... how beautiful this scene is."
She spoke the words "with you" with exceptional clarity.
Tang Xiaoning's heart suddenly felt as if it had been gently bumped by something, a bittersweet ache spreading through her, ripples of sweetness that flowed straight to her eyes.
Her wooden tongue always manages to deliver sweet nothings in a way that's as plain and unadorned as a battlefield briefing, yet it strikes right at the softest spot in her heart.
She didn't speak, but nestled even closer to Li Minghua's strong arms, a smile curving her lips.
As we descended the mountain, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the mountain path in a warm orange-red hue.
Tang Xiaoning walked briskly, her gaze sweeping around, when she was suddenly drawn to a cluster of blue-purple wildflowers swaying in the evening breeze by the roadside.
The tiny petals trembled gently in the wind, carrying the unique freshness and charm of the mountains and fields.
"Wait!" she exclaimed softly, releasing Li Minghua's hand, squatting down, and reaching out to pick a few flowers. "Look at these flowers, how lovely they are!"
"Watch out!" Almost simultaneously, Li Minghua's warm hand swiftly grasped her wrist, gently pulling her back to stop her from making any rash moves.
His own figure immediately blocked Tang Xiaoning's path.
"I'll do it." She said succinctly, drew a short dagger from her waist, and took two steps forward.
With remarkable skill, she used her dagger to clear away the weeds around the flower bushes, bent down to carefully examine the ground and flower stems, and only after confirming that there were no poisonous insects, thorns, or any possible tripwires or traps did she step aside and nod to her: "It's ready."
Tang Xiaoning looked at Li Minghua's profile as he meticulously carried out the "risk elimination" task, feeling both warm and amused.
She did as instructed, carefully picked a few of the most vibrant blue-purple flowers, and brought them to her nose to sniff.
A faint, fresh scent, carrying the scent of earth and sunshine, permeated my heart and soul.
A smile curved her lips as she turned and presented the slightly disheveled bouquet of wildflowers to Li Minghua, her eyes sparkling: "Here, for you! My general!"
Li Minghua clearly hadn't expected this "gift".
She stared blankly at the bouquet, which was exceptionally vibrant but hardly exquisite.
She habitually scanned it with a scrutinizing gaze for half a second, and objectively commented: "This flower... has little fragrance, and its shape is also... not very regular."
There was even a hint of confusion in his tone.
Tang Xiaoning immediately puffed out her cheeks and stomped her foot in feigned anger:
"Oh, Li Minghua! This is a token of my heart! Don't you understand? It's much prettier and more precious than those expensive orchids and peonies!"
She took a step closer, her breath brushing against Li Minghua's chin.
Li Minghua was taken aback by Tang Xiaoning's sudden approach and puffed-out cheeks. Looking at the earnest glint in Tang Xiaoning's eyes, she nodded as if she understood.
She reached out and solemnly accepted the unassuming handful of wildflowers.
She weighed it in her palm, seemingly feeling the weight of this "gift," and then made a move that Tang Xiaoning had not expected.
She very naturally and carefully fastened the few small flowers to the leather strap of her antique sword sheath!
A few delicate, bluish-purple wildflowers stood out in a striking yet harmonious way beside the cold, hard scabbard and the cyan-gold tassel.
A mountain breeze swept by, causing the petals to tremble gently, creating a stark contrast with the cold metal.
Tang Xiaoning stared in astonishment at this astonishing "masterpiece," then couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Hahaha... Minghua... why did you attach it to your sword?"
Li Minghua, however, remained completely at ease, even gently adjusting the position of the flowers to ensure they wouldn't be damaged.
She raised her head, her eyes clear and earnest, and explained, "Since it is a token of my affection, I should carry it with me to show that I cherish it. As long as the sword remains, the flower will remain."
She thought for a moment, then added carefully, "And it doesn't affect the speed of drawing the sword, so it's not a problem."
It seems that this is the key.
Looking at her incredibly serious expression, Tang Xiaoning's hearty laughter gradually subsided, finally transforming into an extremely gentle smile.
Her heroine always manages to interpret what unique romance means in the most unexpected and "Li Minghua-style" way.
She nodded vigorously, stepped forward, and affectionately took Li Minghua's arm, nuzzling her cheek against her shoulder, her voice trembling slightly with emotion:
"Yes! Well said! As long as the sword is here, the flower is here! As long as I am here, you are here!"
As the sun set, the two walked hand in hand down the mountain, carrying the cluster of small blue-purple wildflowers swaying gracefully in the evening breeze on their sword sheaths.
Back at the manor, as Li Minghua stepped into the courtyard, her maid Xiao Cui, who was carrying a basin of water to sweep, immediately noticed the incongruous cluster of wildflowers on the sword scabbard. Her eyes widened instantly, her mouth gaped open, and she pointed at the flowers, speechless for a long time: "...Miss Li...your sword...this..."
Li Minghua did not stop walking, his face calm and expressionless, as if it were a matter of course to have wildflowers on his sword sheath.
She even touched the hilt of the sword to make the flower stand out more, and explained to Xiao Cui in a serious tone, "Yes, it was a gift from Xiao Ning."
Xiao Cui: "..."
She glanced at the flowers, then at Li Minghua's extremely serious profile, and then at Tang Xiaoning, who was secretly smiling beside her. She could only blink blankly, frozen in place with the basin of water in her hand.
Seeing Xiao Cui's worldview being shaken, Tang Xiaoning finally couldn't help but giggle.
She took Li Minghua's arm and walked inside, leaving Xiao Cui standing there bewildered, without offering any explanation.
That evening, Tang Xiaoning went to find Li Minghua. She pushed open the half-closed door and saw Li Minghua with his back to her, fiddling with something by the window.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out that the bunch of wildflowers that had been picked during the day and were now somewhat wilted had been clumsily transplanted by Li Minghua into an unused plain white flowerpot.
The soil in the pot had clearly been carefully prepared; it was loose and moist.
Li Minghua was frowning slightly, her fingertips carefully touching the wilted petals, her expression seemingly troubled about how to bring them back to life.
"Why didn't you throw them away? They're all wilted." Tang Xiaoning asked softly, already knowing what was going on, but still wanting to hear her say it.
Hearing the voice, Li Minghua turned around and saw Tang Xiaoning. The confusion in his eyes had not disappeared, but he simply replied naturally, "You said it was out of affection."
She looked at the potted plant, her brows still slightly furrowed: "I just don't know how to take care of it."
There was a hint of frustration in her tone, as if failing to take good care of this "heartfelt sentiment" was her dereliction of duty.
Tang Xiaoning looked at Li Minghua's serious, even worried, profile as she looked at a few worthless wildflowers. She walked over and gently hugged Li Minghua's firm waist from behind.
She pressed her cheek against her warm back, feeling her steady heartbeat, her voice as soft as a sigh:
"It's alright, Minghua. It's enough that you know how I feel."
Li Minghua covered Tang Xiaoning's hands that were wrapped around his waist, and gently hummed in agreement, his tightly furrowed brows quietly relaxing.
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